Taika Waititi is everywhere right now — between prepping for the Thor: Love and Thunder production, working on a secret project, and promoting his role in The Mandalorian — but he was definitely at TIFF this weekend. Of course, he was on hand for the premiere of his passion project, Jojo Hitler, which stars him as a Fonz-inspired imaginary pal (a dancing Adolf Hitler) of a young German boy (Roman Griffin Davis).

The film, which opens on October 18, debuted at the Toronto-based festival this weekend and appears to be a success so far. Although the director admitted that he really didn’t enjoy seeing himself in costume while filming, the World War II satire hit the mark with many critics. Described in the film’s synopsis as an “idiotic imaginary friend,” the film lampoons fanaticism, and Jojo’s entire outlook is turned upon its head after he realizes that his mom (Scarlett Johansson) is sheltering a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home. The movie set out to blend humor with pathos, and according to early festival reactions, that’s exactly what has happened.

There are a few critics, including Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman, who didn’t enjoy the movie. In his review, Gleiberman writes that Waititi wanted to maneuver into awards season with “Nazi Oscar-bait showmanship.” However, most critics who watched the film, including Collider’s Steven “Frosty” Weintraub praised Waititi’s balancing act, which “could have been a disaster” in another director’s hands.

#JoJoRabbit is one of the more absurd coming-of-age stories I’ve seen. Funny, bittersweet and unapologetically unique, Taika Waititi continues to prove he is among the most exciting and original voices telling stories right now #TIFF19pic.twitter.com/Ml1e43wHK7

The rest of the early reactions (including one from voice of BB-8 Ben Schwartz of Parks and Rec fame) described the film as a project that veers between scary/tragic to charming/hilarious and a must-see film.

JOJO RABBIT: Equal parts hilarious and terrifying. The script is incredible in how it perfectly balances the drama and comedy unfolding. Who would’ve thought there would be a wonderful coming of age film with Hitler? #jojorabbit#TIFF19

JOJO RABBIT is perfect. It's charming and hilarious and sweet but never shies away from being dark, tragic and scary. We are privileged to share time with Taika Waititi. It's exactly what we need right now. #TIFF19

#JojoRabbit is fantastic. Funny emotional unique. Incredible performances, writing, directing, score, shot selection. As we say in Hollywood, “That Jewish Kiwi has done it again, and by done it again I mean @TaikaWaititi has written/directed another great film, and by film I mean https://t.co/5dDElygDUi

JoJo Rabbit received a standing ovatiob at TIFF. Histarical, heartfelt but also sobering and emotional, it's one of the years finest. Cast is superb, but Roman Griffin Davis and especially Thomasin Mckenzie are the standouts. It's also a techical marvel to boot. 10/10 #TIFF19pic.twitter.com/RczZ3Mw7n8